How to protect your sensitive information while traveling: the ultimate guide to travel security

There are two types of crime you might fall victim to while traveling – physical and cyber. Physical is the obvious one: you go on a holiday, and someone steals your items or robs your house. Cybercrime is a bit more complicated and can happen even in circumstances where you’d least expect it.

Your own posts on social media and seemingly reliable public Wi-Fi pose risks to your data and physical possession safety. And as cybercrime, in particular, is growing, so are the ways someone can take advantage of your personal information. Follow this guide as I explore the most common modern ways that malicious agents exploit digital space and how to prevent falling victim to cybercrime.

Hopefully, the information provided here will help you plan your next trip better and enjoy it with minimal cybersecurity risks.

Understanding the risks of traveling with sensitive data

Nowadays, your digital space contains everything about you: bank accounts, personal information (from passport number to mother’s maiden name), social media and other account logins, and details of your familial relations. Everything about you and your relationships can be accessed through your device.

Travelers, in particular, are a beloved target for cybercriminals and are vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. They tend to connect to public Wi-Fi in unsafe locations like hotels, cafes, or airports and can rarely avoid accessing their emails, social media, or banking apps. Essentially, travelers access their most sensitive information while connected to the most unsafe networks.

Why protecting sensitive information while traveling is crucial

Hardly any of us do not use any personal accounts while traveling. Checking social media or emails, logging into airline websites, and checking card balances are just some of the highly sensitive information that we would use roaming or public Wi-Fi to access. And while public Wi-Fi is notorious for being insecure, there are unexpected dangers of data sharing while traveling.

A payment platform, FreedomPay, and researchers from Cornell University conducted an investigation into the retail, restaurant, and hospitality sectors and found that 1 out of 3 companies had a history of customer data breaches. Out of those that had been breached, a stunning 89% had repeated security incidents.

It means that if you stay in a hotel, booked a reservation in a restaurant, or otherwise gave some of your data to the service provider, there’s a chance that it might fall into the wrong hands. And that’s just the risk of giving any sort of personal details to service industry companies. I haven’t even begun to touch up on the risks of public Wi-Fi.

Common travel security threats

Other than your personal data stored by hotels, restaurants, and retail shops (like loyalty programs) falling into the hands of malicious agents, airports are another location where your sensitive information is most vulnerable. Airport Wi-Fi usually requires registration to use it, so it’s like a public Wi-Fi and data harvesting tool in one.

If you’ve ever seen multiple public Wi-Fi networks under the same or similar name, then you may have already encountered what is known as the “evil twin.” Skilled hackers can duplicate a public Wi-Fi network to provide a hotspot, which is just a data harvester in disguise. Airports are particularly vulnerable to such hacker activity, as they have a large number of people temporarily passing through, all seeking a free Wi-Fi service.

Once a malicious agent gains access to your data through a company or public Wi-Fi, they can use it for ransomware or to target you or your contacts with phishing. If you travel for business and a hacker gains access to your LinkedIn account or emails, they can target all of your business partners without you or them even knowing until the phishing attempt has already been made. If you log into your work’s systems, those, too, can become compromised.

Phishing and hacking can be completely unnoticeable even to people who follow basic cyber hygiene. For example, in the case of an “evil twin” public Wi-Fi network, a hacker might request to log in by entering your email (or social media and other authentication accounts). Once you fill in those details – that’s it. You just gave a hacker your personal account details. And false public Wi-Fi networks can be so realistic, not even people working at the airport might notice the difference.

General tips for protecting sensitive information while traveling

While digital threats seem dangerous and unavoidable, there are certain actions you can take that would minimize the risk of your sensitive information leaks. National Security Agency (NSA) offers an extensive list of tips, but the most essential things to keep in mind are:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi without proper precautions. Only use public Wi-Fi if you can secure your sensitive information and only in cases where you absolutely have to. With the availability of localized eSIMs or international data plans, roaming doesn’t have to be that expensive, and it’s a far safer solution. Mobile tethering, too, is a better alternative to public Wi-Fi. Another protective tool is a dedicated identity theft protection. In fact, it’s best to turn off all wireless auto-connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC), as petty thieves are now equipped with cheap card contactless scanners that are readily available online.
• Use a VPN for secure connectivity. A Virtual Private Network encrypts your traffic and hides your digital identity, so all security experts highly recommend using one. In the case of VPNs that have incorporated security features, such as NordVPN and its Threat Protection or Surfshark One antivirus, you can get an additional layer of protection with the same subscription.
• Make it more difficult to get into your device. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) of your accounts, change your MFA or 2FA settings to avoid authentication through text messaging, set displays to lock after no more than 5 minutes, set up to 10 password attempt permissions, encrypt device data, and disable lock-screen notifications.
• Follow basic cyber hygiene. Update all of your passwords before the trip to strong ones, keep your device software up to date, and avoid logins that require you to input a lot of your personal details. Most importantly, do not log into any of your accounts, business or personal, on devices that you do not 100% trust. For example, if there’s a publicly available device in your hotel, do not log into accounts on it.
• If you can, get a strong antivirus. Pick such antivirus that has real-time protection and reliable malware detection, particularly on the web. If you’re not sure which antivirus can genuinely provide such protection, you can check the independent lab test results, like AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives.

How to set up 2FA on your accounts

Most social media and email accounts offer multi-factor or two-factor authentication. How to set it up depends on your account.

• MacOS desktops immediately offer biometric authentication as you’re setting up your device, but you can also find it in Settings → Touch ID & Password.
• Microsoft also has a two-step verification option in its Advanced security settings.
• For Google, you’ll find 2FA under Security in your Account settings.
• For social media accounts, go into your settings and find “security,” “password and security” or other similar options. There you should find a way to activate multi-factor authentication.
• On Android devices, you can use biometric authentication, passcodes, and Google 2FA settings.
• On iOS devices, find Sign in & Security settings to set up 2FA.

Securing your devices while traveling

Just as common as digital threats, there are also physical threats to your device’s safety. I’m talking about device theft. Nowadays, criminals can find many ways to bypass the protection you have set up on your device to either capitalize on your data or wipe it to earn a quick buck by selling the device itself. It’s such a common risk that Apple even ran a whole ad campaign about their MacBook’s ability to avoid such dangers.

How to protect your devices from theft and loss

Despite being advertorial, Apple’s campaign made some great points about how you can keep your device safe. Essentially, making these preparations should ensure your device is safe from theft and loss:

• Always monitor your device. Do not leave your device unattended, and if you don’t need it – store it in a hotel’s safe. Most of those are free of charge, and even paid ones are worth it. When using public transport, make sure you keep your device close to yourself and, ideally, in a compartment that’s difficult to get into. Be aware that there are thieves who operate by quickly grabbing your device out of your hands and running away. Chances to catch up with them or notify security in time are close to zero.
• Install reliable tracking apps. But make sure those apps can work offline. If you’re able to track your stolen device from one of your other devices, it can help the authorities find them quickly. It’s also helpful in case you left it somewhere and it hasn’t been stolen. Keep in mind, however, that you should never try to follow criminals yourself.
• Delay the possibility of getting into your device. Multi-factor authentication and lock-screens are great tools to ensure that criminals won’t get to access your data before your device can be found. Ensure that flight mode and other ways to disable connection with your device couldn’t be switched on when the device is locked.

Encrypt your devices for extra security

Enabling layers of encryption on your device and accounts ensures that, upon theft, it would take some real and time-consuming effort to access your sensitive data. Each and every one of your devices should have strong data encryption and multiple authentication methods. You don’t have to have those on at all times, but several layers of security are a must when traveling.

While MFA and 2FA should always be on, encryption is not quite the same and needs to be activated separately. Each device has an option to turn it on, and it should be accessible in the Security and Privacy settings of whatever device you use. For example, for Windows, you would need to go into the administrator’s account, access Privacy security, and turn on the device encryption toggle. For some devices, however, you would need to install an app.

Another option, however painful, is the ability to remotely wipe your device. This is necessary, particularly for business travelers, as sensitive company data falling into the wrong hands could have terrible consequences. The company admin usually has access to your device, so make sure to check with them before your trip or holidays to see if such an option is available.

The importance of regular backups

To make the possibility of having to erase your entire device less scary, it’s important to regularly backup your device data. Make it a habit to regularly conduct file backups, particularly for personal accounts, which are often forgotten. Cloud storage is a great way to ensure that none of the important files get missing in case of theft or technical failure, but make sure that multiple layers of security protect your cloud account in case of a cybersecurity breach.

Best practices for safe internet use abroad

While there are many risks that travelers face when using the internet abroad, certain habits and practices can help prevent the worst damage. Ensuring that your device is protected at all times, conducting file backup, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and securing all accounts can avert cybersecurity dangers without you even knowing about it.

How to avoid phishing scams while traveling

Phishing may seem obvious, but it’s one of the most common ways that a hacker can get your details or gain access to control your device. Especially now, with significant AI advancements, phishing attacks can be hyperrealistic and almost indistinguishable from genuine websites or messages.

Let’s say you’re busy, and you get an email with your colleague’s name that looks the same as any other email they sent you, down to the signature below. The language is as usual, and they sent you a link. In a hurry, you press on it, and that’s it; you’ve now fallen victim to a phishing attack. Or your relative’s social media account gets hacked, and they send you a seemingly innocent link, one sent in a similar way to how they did many times before. That’s just a couple of examples of how sophisticated phishing can be.

So, how can you protect yourself from AI-improved phishing attacks:

• Always check the sender. As realistic as the email or a text message looks, check the email address or the phone number from which it was sent. If need be, google the number. Unless the person’s account has been hacked, the email or phone number will not be identical, or the phone number will show a different country from your own or signs of scam activity when searched for.
• If in doubt – ask. If you get a link from your friend or relative on social media, make sure to ask what they have sent you. If their account has been hacked, they will be just as surprised that they sent you a message as you to receive it. You can also try a different platform to contact them about the message they sent if you’re still not sure, and if all is good, you should receive a confirmation from them one way or another.
• Do not give any personal details. If you get a link that requires not just the standard email address for login confirmation but also passwords or other login information, avoid it immediately. If a supposed bank or authorities ask for your passport details or other personal information, contact them directly through a different medium. Do not reply to a letter; call or visit their official website to get in contact with them. Most of all, no bank or government institution would ever ask you for your bank login details or highly sensitive information. They can get those details themselves. Do not give personal information over the phone, especially for any sort of software’s service providers.
• Use antivirus software or other anti-phishing tools. You can’t always spot a phishing attempt, especially when it’s highly sophisticated. A reliable antivirus can help prevent your access to websites that might infect your device with malware and make you susceptible to phishing. Antivirus that provides a link scanner, together with your own awareness and careful approach to giving personal information, can help prevent phishing.

What to do if your data is compromised while traveling

Mistakes happen, it’s natural. The most important thing is to not panic. Keep a level head – it’s possible to minimize or overturn a bad situation. Here are some tips on what to do if your data was compromised while traveling:

• If your device was stolen or lost. Try to search for it where it may have been or report the loss to the authorities. But do not expect to get it back if it was indeed stolen. The next step would be to change all account passwords through an available, reliable device and, if possible, choose to log out from all other devices. This will protect all accounts from being compromised. If it’s your workplace device, contact the administrator immediately, notify them about the situation, and follow their instructions. If possible, remotely wipe out all data from the lost device.
• If you fell victim to a phishing attempt. Change all passwords, reboot your device, and notify all of your contacts, business and personal, about a potentially hacked account.
• If you noticed a suspicious activity on your device. Change all account passwords and reboot your device. If you have an antivirus, conduct a security scan. Enable all multi-factor authentication methods. If your device contains business accounts, notify your workplace of a potential data breach as well.

Conclusion

Travelers are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks and criminal behavior. However, taking certain measures before and during your trip can help avoid the main risks or undue potential damage. In this day and age, your sensitive data is your most valuable asset, so take every measure you can to protect it.

Three main things to remember before your trip are: disable controls over the lock screen (like airplane mode switch on), enable multiple security and authentication layers on your device, and make backups. Enabling device tracking or remote wipeout is also handy when it comes to protecting highly sensitive information. While on your trip, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi and keep your device where you can always safeguard it.

Airports, hotels, and service industry in general are particularly vulnerable to data breaches, so avoid connecting to their networks or sharing sensitive information (besides absolutely necessary cases) above all. Taking these precautions will eventually lead to a much smoother and stress-free travel experience.